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Research Project:
EFFICACY OF A FORMIC ACID PREPARATION BY NOD APIARY PRODUCTS (FLASH FORMIC ACID STRIP) FOR THE CONTROL OF VARROA DESTRUCTOR

Location:

Project Number: 6204-21000-010-08
Project Type:
Trust

Start Date: Nov 01, 2009
End Date: Oct 31, 2012

Objective:
The objectives of this cooperative research project is: a) to determine the efficacy of an innovative formulation of formic acid preparation for controlling Varroa destructor under field conditions, b) to determine its impact, if any, on colony strength, and c) to measure residues in honey.

Approach:
1. The test will be conducted near Weslaco, TX, using USDA-owned colonies.
2. Colonies meeting our criteria for size and health will be selected. These will be treated with: a) nothing, b) NOD product applied to non-supered colonies, or c) NOD product applied to supered colonies.
3. Impact on colonies will be assessed by scoring adult bee strength before and after treatment. During the first 16 days of treatment dead adult workers will be collected from Todd dead bee traps and counted.
4. Efficacy will be assessed by a. counting all mites dropping from colonies during treatment, and b. challenging remaining living mites by applying two known control agents after treatment.